The sale has been earmarked for a week tomorrow, Saturday 28 June, as part of the St John’s School summer fair, while the treasure hunt and swim will be held in July.

The swim is being organised by Pat Baron, a former teacher at the school, and will take place at Hyndburn Sports Centre.

Meanwhile, cash continues to roll in for the fund which has now passed the £35,000 mark.

This is more than two thirds of the way to our £50,000 target which would allow the beautiful and historic church to re-open pending applications for grant funding.

This week’s donations have come from: In memory of Gordon Dobson of Toronto, formerly of Great Harwood, £130; to Bill with all my love Ruth £20; Mrs A Green in memory of a loved one £10; Rishton Methodists £40; sponsored walk £66; anon £137.90.

The current total is £35,143.

The probation service will be returning to work on the church grounds tomorrow and regularly after that.

Appeal organisers had a stall at the inter-faith event held in Accrington Town Hall last Friday.